Ymir's hand lingered on Levi's and Hanji's shop as she knew she was saying goodbye. She soaked in the sight of the coffee place one more time. The mentioned couple stood a few feet away from her and with almost sad smiles. Levi's arm was around Hanji's shoulders and Hanji fidgeted with her thumbs as they stared at the teen with a concern in their eyes.
"Make sure to have fun tonight." Hanji said sweetly.
"Don't start a fight unless someone's asking for it." Levi reminded with a slight humor in his voice.
Ymir looked at them with a sadness, making it harder for her. They sounded as if they were her parents. Parents who were not dead or did not seem to care.
Hanji sent Levi a look then spoke finally to Ymir, "What Levi is trying to say is be careful. So much has already happened to you.."
Her sentence was a fresh sting to Ymir's brain as the brunette thought back to when the woman with the glasses had helped put on makeup to hide the black eye. It was not professional like as some girls at school but it was good enough to keep the worst of the injury from the public's eye. And then her thoughts had dragged to the burning tree house. When Jean and his buddies had left. Deputy Erwin Smith and a fire truck had came to the spot. While the firefighters had hosed down the mess, the deputy of the town had not looked surprised. He questioned if Ymir had started it or if someone else had. The brunette had just said she didn't know. Erwin was not convinced but offered her a ride to Levi's and Hanji's. As if he already knew who they were.
Ymir sighed, she felt defeated. "Yeah, yeah. I know." She frowned and turned her back preparing to leave to the final dance of her life.
"Wait Ymir," The two had said it in a soft unison making Ymir slightly curious on what exactly they wanted to tell her.
Levi and Hanji exchanged glances and sent warm smiles towards her. "We just want you to know that we care for you," Hanji paused for a moment and Levi rubbed her shoulder comforting. "A lot."
Something broke in her heart. Ymir just knew it. The brunette felt a heat surge to her eyes and Ymir had to turn around so they did not see her expression.
Ymir's hand gripped the handle and she formed what she could muster.
"Thanks you guys." Ymir prayed that whisper was heard to the people who only cared for her. Her body felt a sudden emptiness as her fingers grazed the handle for the last time. The freckled teen bit her lip hard and headed towards her school.
Life is a bitch.
…
The Reiss family had no idea that the Winter dance was tonight. Krista had left with a anger as Freida, the only one who was aware, was sitting in the living room and watched her go. Only saying, "Make sure that Braun kid is with you tonight!" Krista had ignored her.
"Break me off a piece of that Kitkat bar!" Sasha begged to Connie, as her date to the dance bit into the mentioned candy. Her voice disrupting Krista from her thoughts.
The short teen grinned at the brunette and then finished the rest of the chocolate bar off. Leaving Sasha to chase him into the crowd of dancing students.
"Sasha!" Krista called after them but they were long gone by then.
Mikasa came to Krista's side at the finish of her shout with Eren following her. The green eyed boy looked happy tonight and Krista prayed that his emotion wouldn't be pissed on by anyone who dared to mess with him.
"Leave them be," Mikasa said around her scarf. "We will probably see them at the Snack table later."
"Yup." Eren agreed with a nod and sent Krista an almost sorry look. "Lets try to have fun instead of worrying about them."
Krista had no doubt that her friends were concerned about her since what had been going on. Apparently people found it appropriate now to leave notes on her locker and repeatedly call her slut in the hall. It had not even been a day and she was being a target of such crude behavior. She wondered if Ymir was suffering from this. Or was she encouraging it? Krista had yet to seen the freckled teen even though Reiner had promised she would be here.
Where even was Reiner? Her boyfriend was supposed to meet up with them when they had arrived.
"I need to go find Reiner," Krista thought out loud.
Mikasa nodded, "Alright, I can help you."
"Um," Eren suddenly looked nervous and Krista knew why. "I think I will go find Armin, Mikasa you can go with Krista."
The asian agreed to Eren's statement but told him to be safe. The brunette just shook his head and went off.
"If he is going to be your boyfriend, you should stop treating him like a child." Krista commented as she slid through the dancing bodies with her friend.
Mikasa shrugged. "I just want him to stay away from a fight tonight."
"Exactly why he chose not to come with us. He knows what he is doing. You should trust him more."
"I do trust him." Mikasa defended.
Krista was going to reply but then someone touched her shoulder. The blond girl turned to see who had decided to make contact with her but just frowned as she did not know this person.
The student was a male. "Historia,right?" He asked even though he sounded sure of himself. "You're a Reiss."
Krista shrugged him off and sent him a suspicion look. The teen seemed sober but there was an expression on his face that meant trouble. "And…?"
"You got dough." The male grinned to himself. "And you get busy with…" He gestured to his crotch.
"Ew!" Krista was disgusted and stepped back to be at Mikasa's side. Really? Why do people think she has sex people just because she hung out with Ymir!? Who was making this bullcrap up!
"What's wrong? I thought you liked these type of things." He stepped forward.
"Hey!" The strong voice caught attention of all the people around Krista. She felt a relief as she spotted who it was but also a nervousness.
Students moved to make a path for Reiner as he took strides towards them. He planted his hands on his waist and looked at what was going on.
"Is there a problem here?"
"R-Reiner," The stranger suddenly shrunk and smiled with slight fright.
The blond teen perked an eyebrow up and his lips pulled back to a bothered expression.
"It's you," Reiner shook his head and took a long step forward to shorten the distance between him and the teen who had spoke to Krista. "I told you to stop messing with girls, didn't I? You creep."
The muscled boy stood over his peer, looking rather intimidating. Though for some reason the student did not take the hint.
"I am just having a little fun," He grinned nervously and tilted his head up to look Reiner straight in the eye. "What is the matter with that?"
"Your definition of fun needs correction."
"Does it matter? You're dating a whore for one and number two, I am sure she wants it." He wiggled his eyebrows with a glare.
Krista made a face and commented, "Ummm, no. You're just two thick skulled that these are stupid rumors being spread." A chorus of mummering followed and the students looked amused and interested on what was going on.
The inappropriate teen swiveled around and clenched his teeth at Krista. His fingers were drawn in to form a fist and he asked threateningly, "What did you say pretty girl?"
The teen started to loom over the shorter blond but the Mikasa carefully pushed her aside and stood up against the student. Her grey eyes were daggers.
"Your heard what she said." There was warning in her tone as she faced the problem. Krista felt a warmth spread across her heart as she realized Mikasa was willing to talk in front of this much people just for her. They both really did care for eachother.
"You don't scare me."
"Wanna bet?" Mikasa punched a firm fist into her palm and cracked her neck.
"Yeah,"
Reiner stepped forward and gripped the student's shoulder. "Luke, you're forgetting I am here."
The mentioned boy swerved again and aggressively pushed Reiner back. Gasps flooded the air at the action.
"Yeah, I know you damn bastard!" He shouted and prepared to punch Reiner.
Reiner looked at him with a sudden blaze to his usual kind eyes and dodged the punch Luke threw. He clutched his arm and twisted it behind him. Sending the boy to yelp and then shoved the teen to the ground. Reiner's foot raised to kick him in the head.
Krista felt her heart thump and opened her mouth to tell Reiner to stop but then a figure whizzed past her and placed themselves right behind Reiner. Krista felt her mouth go dry at the sight of the person.
"Reiner, enough." Her voice was calm but strong as she gently pulled back her friend away from the boy on the ground. "I think he already learned his lesson."
The blond boy turned to Ymir and had a drop of sweat run down his head. His eyes widened and then placed a hand on his forehead as if he realized something. His free hand gripped his best friend's wrist and he whispered, "Ymir…"
"Come on," Ymir did not seemed changed by his sudden contact and led him away from the crowd. "I saw a teacher heading this way. Let's go get you a drink."
"Right," He nodded almost feebly and went along with his friend. Krista watched them go and she felt her heart thump.
Ymir's eyes spared her a glance for a moment. But it was only enough.
Are you alright? Krista so badly wanted to ask but she did not dare to. She looked at Mikasa and the girl with the scarf just nodded for them to go and find the others. As they left, a teacher came heading to crowd and got furious at Luke, the student on the ground.
As Krista made her way with Mikasa to where they spotted their friends towards the stage where a DJ was, a voice caught her attention.
"Krista!"
The mentioned blond turned to spot the all too familiar voice and she felt a relief hug her. So he saw.
"Bert," Krista greeted her friend and watched as the tall boy stopped in front of her.
He scratched his cheek and shared a sheepish smile. "I...must be a bad friend."
Automatically Krista knew what he was meaning. But for seem reason the hurt from earlier today dissolved away. Because he at least bothered to approach her now. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and stared at the black haired boy with a small curve to her lips.
"It's fine," Krista spoke as softly as she could but loud enough to be heard above the noise of the people around. "I understand."
"But I'm your best friend!" Bertholdt stepped forward and the firmness in his voice surprised Krista for a moment. "I shouldn't be ignoring you." He paused for a moment and swallowed. "I...am aware that I did not even bother checking if you were okay or not...and that...sucks."
"You have a girlfriend, Bertholdt. I get it."
"But I told you that I was going to spend more time with you guys and the others!"
"We understand."
"But it's rude. Annie shouldn't be my main focus."
A realization struck Krista at that moment. Krista was in a relationship with Reiner. But was Reiner ever her main focus? Sure they have been on a date, kissed once and have a good attitude around each other but...did Krista even care as much as Bertholdt did with Annie?
It was like a stone dropped in her stomach. A wake up call.
Do I even like Reiner that way? He was a cool guy. Reiner's eyes had a nice smoothness to them. And right now, Krista felt like the bad guy. Reiner cared for her. It was obvious. The blond knew for sure that Reiner was no way cheating on her like Jean accused. The boy was loyal. No doubt. Look at him and Ymir. He never got angry with the brunette when Krista disappeared with her. He wasn't throwing her to side and staying in contact with her. Reiner ignored all the rude comments being thrown around about his girlfriend until now. He was a strong dude. Mentally and physically.
So why didn't Krista feel attracted to him romantically? Was she even sure she cared for someone that way?
Ymir, The freckled teen popped into her mind. Like a firework. Ymir had been her main concern since the police took her away at the treehouse. Krista was worried and scared for her. Why was that? The person she despised for so long. The person who set her up with Reiner in the first place.
"Hey?"
Krisa felt her thoughts come to a stop and suddenly she was aware of what was around her. Bertholdt stood in front of her. His expression painted in a confusion on why his friend had gone silent for long moments.
"Bertholdt." The short girl gazed up at him with a firm twist to her lips. "Thank you."
The black haired boy scratched his cheek in wonder. "For?"
"Being a good friend." She said as if it was obvious. "Your absence has helped me realize something."
"Umm.." The tall boy looked as if he was debating whether or not to seem taken aback or grateful.
Krista noticed his facial features and just rested a hand on his arm. "Do not stress about it, Bert. Just continue nourishing that relationship you have with Annie." She gave him a thumbs up with her free hand the fled into the ground. Heading to where Ymir had suggested taking Reiner.
…
"I wouldn't trust the fruit punch here," Ymir said, handing Reiner a bottle of water. "So just take this."
Reiner nodded and unscrewed the cap. Ymir watched patiently as the blond teen swallowed the whole bottle. His neck muscles working almost desperately as if he had not drank water in a long while.
"Geez, slow down." Ymir spoke lightly, adding slight humor to her voice and tossed the bottle away when he finished. The brunette stared at her friend as he placed a hand on his forehead and sighed tiredly.
Reiner glanced up at her with a nervous smile. "I almost lost it...again." He stated shamefully. His free hand clenching and relaxing repeatedly.
Ymir frowned and she thought for a moment. Ending her life tonight would leave Reiner without a person to stop him. But then again, it would do him some good to get anger out on sorry bastards like Luke. She saw what had happened. Sorrow edged deep in her. Ymir did her best to ignore it. He had tried to get busy with Krista. Ymir felt anger, confusion, and most of all she felt sorry for herself.
Was it smart of her to feel pity for herself?
"Ymir," Reiner caught her attention and she casted her eyes towards the blond.
"Yeah?"
He swallowed. "Thanks."
"No problem." Ymir forced a casual tone, though Reiner's voice was filled with a seriousness. "That's what friends are for."
A silence fell upon them for a minute or so before either of them spoke again. This time being Reiner who broke the quietness.
"Ymir?"
"Reiner."
"There's something I need to tell you."
"What that may be?" Ymir asked, a dim curiosity spiking up in her. Mostly because she had no prediction of what her friend might tell her.
He breathed heavily for a moment. As if cherishing the air. Reiner looked around wearily, though Ymir was positive no student would be around the hallway. Since students were not even supposed to be in this part of school.
"There is a reason why I'm dating Krista," He begun but Ymir's eyes widened immediately and cut him off rudely.
"I could care less about her." Ymir stated coldy though she felt the pang at her heart. She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, avoiding Reiner's eyes. "You don't need an explanation of dating my former crush."
"Ymir-"
"I am serious. I don't want to hear about it."
Reiner's gaze was hard. She did not have to look at her friend to know that. "I know you, Ymir. You can't just shrug off what's going on."
"It's only been a day."
"And? Ymir, I am dating Krista because-"
"I don't want to hear it." Ymir turned her head away and looked down the empty hall.
"Listen to me!"
"Why?"
"Because I feel like it's necessary for you to hear about it!" Reiner spoke with an anger edged to his voice."
Ymir shook her head and the tug at her heart was screaming at her. "I don't care."
"I know you do."
"Well you're wrong."
"I am dating Krista because-"
"Shut up, Reiner!"
"I am dating Krista because her-"
"Reiner!" Ymir rose her hands and pressed on her ears.
"I AM DATING KRISTA BECAUSE HER SISTER-"
"REINER, SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Ymir roared loudly and she felt the blood pumping in her ears and her face starting to burn in a shame and embarrassment. She pressed harder but Reiner's voice was still clear.
"I AM DATING KRISTA BECAUSE HER SISTER ASKED ME TOO!"
Ymir paused. Confusion freshly flooding through her mind and she removed her hands away from her face. The brunette stared at the blond with question. What is he talking about?
Reiner huffed, staring at Ymir with an intensity. His blue eyes had a wild glint to them and he smirked. "I caught your attention now. Huh?"
"What do you mean?" The freckled girl brushed off his comment.
"I…" His smirk faltered and he placed a hand on his forehead. Reiner looked at Ymir. "I...It was a few days before I asked you to tell Krista about my dating question. A woman came up to me in a black car. I automatically knew it was Reiss by the tinted windows. I was confused at first...but Freida just gave me blurry details and offered me money if I did so."
"Reiner…"
"I didn't take the money of course." He added finally.
Ymir could not figure out what was the reason behind Krista's sister's actions. But why did she bother? She was going to kill herself anyways. There was no point in living. She couldn't find a place in this world. Her mom died for no reason. Kept promises she could never fill. Her tree house burnt down. Boar hated her. Students were already spreading rumors that would stick for awhile. And Krista...didn't like her. Why should she care? She didn't. She didn't. I don't care. The brunette stated firmly in her mind.
"Reiner…" Ymir breathed and stepped forwards. Her eyes gazed at him with a softness that quickly hardened. She saw his reaction right away. The flinch. Her teeth clenched. And she parted her mouth with a cold look on her face.
"I don't fucking give a shit."
Ymir hissed out and strided away from Reiner.
…
Krista felt disappointment well up in her. Her search for Ymir and Reiner was not going good for she couldn't find the two friends.
Her feet were leading her towards her group of companions without really thinking. Krista's mind was a storm and she really started to yearn for Ymir. She had to talk to the freckled brunette. Krista's heart refused to cooperate with her head and the blond had to discuss this. To Ymir. Only Ymir.
"Hey there you are, Krista!" Connie's voice dragged her unwillingly out of her jumble of thoughts. The blonde plastered a smile on her face.
"I told ya' she knew where to find us." Sasha said to her date to the dance and shared a grin to the blue-eyed girl.
Mikasa just stared at them with judgement and then walked away from Eren, who was conversing with Armin, and stopped in front of Krista.
"Something is wrong." Mikasa stated around her scarf. Her grey eyes burning on Krista with a knowing look.
Krista just flashed her a sad grin and shifted a little under her gaze. "And…?"
"And why are you looking for her?"
The blond froze for a moment and swore Mikasa was psychic. How did she know? Or maybe she was just pulling on Krista's leg. Mikasa is one to joke. Right? Right…?
"Um...ah..err," The blue eyed girl searched for words but everything she thought of just slipped away from her.
Mikasa rose an eyebrow and Krista could imagine the smile behind the red scarf that she wore often. The black haired girl tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear and she spoke softly and reassuring.
"It is fine, Krista. Reiner should be coming soon. You can ask him." Mikasa paused for a moment and then leaned forward to whisper in the blond's ear. "Reiner will eventually need an explanation by the way."
Krista felt her ears heat and she stepped back. There was a feeling of warmth in her chest and she felt tears of confusion well up. "Mikasa," The blond said quietly and she rose a hand to wipe at her eyes. Krista felt her lips curve. "I...I am really confused right now...but thank you."
Mikasa's hand rose up to rest on Krista's shoulder. The black haired girl just nodded. And as if on cue, Krista heard a familiar voice from the blond she was hoping to catch sight of.
"Krista!"
"Reiner!"
The short girl turned around and raced towards the mentioned blond and noticed the slightly shocked expression on his face. Krista skidded to a halt right in front of him and looked up.
"Where's Ymir?"
"Wha-..?" He was baffled.
Krista spoke again. "Where is Ymir?"
Reiner's eyes flashed for a moment and then he pressed his lips together. The blond teen scratched the nape of his neck and he replied hesitantly. "I…..I have no idea."
"She was just with you," Krista pointed out with a frown.
Reiner paused for a moment. His expression showed he was thinking carefully.
"REINER!"
Both blonds jolted in startelement and turned to see who was the owner of the voice. Krista immediately sighed frustratedly at the sight of the person.
"What do you want now, Jean?" Reiner turned to face him but took a step back when he realized how close the boy was. For the second time tonight, the students around formed a circle and watched with anticipation. What was with all this drama recently?
Jean just smirked. "Oh I don't want anything. I was just wanting to know where you were for this stranger over here." He pointed behind him with his thumb, his eyes not leaving Reiner.
Reiner's eyes widened at the sight of the stranger and Krista felt a confusion light up in her. Why was Reiner scared? Did he do something wrong? Worry started to burn at the pit of the blond's stomach. She stared at the stranger.
He had slicked back blonde hair. The older teen wore an old faded green jacket with the collar unbuttoned. He had a pair of sunglasses on and his knuckles glittered with gold rings. His demeanor was intimidating and Krista felt an own fright creep up on her.
"Braun!" He jerked his head up in acknowledgement as he spotted sight of Reiner. His mouth was a straight line and the stranger looked as if he was uncomfortable being there.
Reiner did not respond and just stared at the stranger.
The male stepped forward to him and Jean. Jean snickered but then fled off as the guest sent him a glare through the sunglasses. So much for being tough. The blond with the green jacket starred up at the slightly taller teen.
"What's the matter?" The stranger inquired innocently. "You saw my arrival coming sooner or later." He then peered above his glasses, noticing Krista. "Who is this?"
Reiner started, finally out of his frozen state. He stepped to the side to shield Krista away from the stranger he seemed to know. "She isn't part of this, Porco."
"Ahhh," Porco hummed in realization and took off his sunglasses. "I assume this is your girlfriend?" He strided forward and pushed past to stand in front of Krista. Reiner didn't react to the aggressiveness and just glared as Porco reached a hand out to grab a few strands of Krista's hair. He smirked. "She's a pretty one. Mind if I get a bite, Reiner?"
Reiner turned to him and growled. "Don't mess with her." His fist clenched to his sides.
Porco glanced carelessly at the muscled teen and stepped away from the girl. The blond stranger flashed his teeth. "Why not? I believe it's not fair for you to mess with my girl but not with yours."
As if this was staged, the audience made up of students gasped in a shock. Though Krista could catch the few slight snickers and chuckles. No surprise that they found this amusing. Even though Krista was feeling slightly frightened and had disbelief. Reiner would never cheat…. She had been doubting since the beginning and now she started to face reality that it might be true.
"I…."
"Not much to say, hm? Figures. But I have a enough to prove that this in fact is not a lie for attention." Porco took out a phone that had a pink case. Krista figuring that the device did not belong to the teen. "Believe me, I don't even want to be here." His fingers worked on the screen for a moment then he showed Reiner the screen. Krista could manage to see the shape of text messages. "Look. Now you can't squirm your way out of this."
Reiner's eyes widened and his hands opened and closed. His face was a light red and a drop of sweat formed on his forehead. His mouth was twitching as if he had something to say but he couldn't.
The slightly shorter blond looked at the other and his mouth creased into a frown. His eyes shimmered in distaste. "I will come out and say..I am pretty pissed."
Reiner finally reacted. Krista watched as a fist flung into the hair, aiming at the blond with the green jacket.
Porco dodged quickly and he cackled. "Really? You wanna start this here?" He raised his fist up and glowered at Reiner. "Let's go, pretty boy!"
Krista refused to watch this. To watch either boys beat the crap out of eachother. She sprang forward to be between the two and shouted out.
"Stop!"
Reiner froze for a moment. His eyes flashing in hesitance. Porco on the other hand raced forward and hit him right on the face.
The crowd buzzed in a riled excitement and they started to chant, shut and scream in a chorus. They encouraged them as the two faced off to each other.
Reiner tried to throw a punch. Porco blocked. Porco did an uppercut, Reiner just barely shielded himself. A blow was soon followed as the bigger blond tried to protect himself and he groaned in pain. Porco took the second of blindness to trip him and plant him on the ground. The blue eyed male started a flurry of punches at the hazel eyed blond. Reiner tried to raise his arms to protect his face but Porco found open spots to hit him. Krista was screaming for them to stop and she wanted so badly to intervene but the students had managed to get ahead of her and block her. Krista was not their focus for now. It was Reiner getting the shit beaten out of him.
She lost track of time. She didn't know how long it was going on. But the result of the fight was a broken nose and lots of blood.
Porco got up from the ground. His hands wiped off the dirt on his jacket and he hissed in disgust at the blood that had got on his white shirt that laid under the jacket. He spat at the beaten boy.
"Next time, think before you make any stupid decisions." He walked off with the students leaving a clear path for him to exit. Teachers were nowhere in sight, surprisingly. Leaving Porco to get away with this.
Krista forced herself through the crowd and noticed that her friends were already by Reiner's side. Even Bertholdt and Annie.
Mikasa glanced at Krista worriedly and then let the blond girl step down by her side and rest her hands on Reiner.
Krista put a hand under his head to help support it up. Her lip trembled in concern. Reiner just looked at her defeatedly with shame.
"Reiner…" Krista breathed at the bloodied blond. His mouth parted. But nothing came out.
"Historia…..I apologize."
Krista heard Connie and Sasha whispering behind her. Bertholdt knelt at the other side of him and Annie stood away looking with a sorry expression. Krista's eyes met Bertholdt's. He shared a small smile and looked down at Reiner.
Reiner continued to stare at Krista and then something buzzed in his shirt pocket. His swollen eyes widened for a moment and there was an urgency in his voice as he spoke to Krista.
"H-Historia...answer it."
Krista tried to ignore the fact that he addressed her by that name. She felt puzzled on why he commanded that action. "Wha..?"
"Please..answer it….." He begged weakly.
Krista obeyed after she paused for a few moments and then carefully took the phone out of his pocket. The device vibrated in her hand and her eyes expanded as she read the caller ID. It was Ymir. Her fingers reached to touch the green icon but by the time the blond was going to click it, the incoming call screen faded to Reiner's homescreen. Krista was also surprised by Reiner's homescreen. It was a picture of him and Ymir on the bleachers where to football field was. She wondered if that was the day Ymir had exposed him by reading whatever was on his phone out loud. Was this a moment before a disaster? Or the make up?
"Who was it…?" Reiner asked, trying to support himself up. With a cringe, he was able to sit up and he glanced around for a second, realizing all of Krista's friends were around him. Bertholdt handed Reiner a heinkerchift and the blond gladly took it to wipe his face.
"It was Ymir."
Automatically Krista sensed Mikasa's gaze on her and the blond just pushed it aside. Krista handed him the phone and when it made contact with Reiner's hand a voicemail notification popped up.
Reiner clicked it immediately and he raised it to his ear. Bertholdt and Krista shared a curious and worried look.
A minute passed and then Reiner placed the phone down with a shocked expression. He reached forward and gripped Krista.
"Reiner?"
"Historia…" His clutch tightened.
"What is it, Reiner?"
"Save Ymir for me."
Krista felt her heart skip a beat.
…
Ymir pressed the red icon as she finished leaving the voicemail. Her final words to Reiner. She pushed away the disappointment of Reiner not picking up and sighed. He must be having a good time to notice his phone ringing. Ymir tucked her flip phone in her pocket and glanced over the bridge. It was a far drop. A good quick way to end.
Her palms gripped the rail and she carefully placed her bottom on the top. Ymir glanced out at the starry night. Her audience who beckoned her. The brunette felt an emotion of loneliness rush over. The gush of tears.
The girl rubbed at her face in sorrow. Why did her life have to be like this? She was being pussy, taking the easy way out. But Ymir wouldn't stand to see Boar again. She had no clue about Krist...Historia anymore. Reiner was there but not always. Her mother died. And Levi and Hanji…? None of this was their fault. Ymir had left a note. It explained to the couple that they were not to blame. She thanked them for everything they gave her. A job. A shelter on hard nights. Affection that Ymir failed to get after the day her mother died.
She imagined Levi's small smile and Hanji's wide grin. The image flickered to an old memory. Of Boar. Of her mother.
They were both smiling the day she went. A farewell kiss to Boar and two kisses on Ymir's cheeks. A promised return after she finished in the meeting with Rod Reiss. Her mother had long brown hair and the same striking eyes and freckles like Ymir. Ymir's mother grinned at Ymir and pinky promised her, the she would return home with their favorite takeout and watch their favorite movie. Ymir had hugged her mother tightly and watched as she went. And never in her child mind had the thought of her mother never coming home that night.
The tears were thick. They slid down Ymir's face and she clenched her teeth at the yearn for her mother. She wanted to cry out "Mommy!" as if she was a seven year old again. The brunette didn't though. Only weakly holding back the sobbing of grief.
Ymir never wanted to interacted with a Reiss after Boar had told her that the woman who loved and raised her would not make it back. Because of a fucking car accident. Young Ymir cursed and loathed the man who made her mother work that day and the teenager who crashed into her mother's car. Never in a million years would she associate with those rich pigs with the last name of Reiss.
But that went downhill when she first saw her.
…
Ymir chuckled at the joke Reiner had just dropped with that group, the same joke they heard over and over again when the certain brunette with green eyes got tripped by Jean.
"Horse face sure does take fondly to that loser." One of the leeches said. Her name was Hitch. Usually everyone from Ymir's group ignored her.
They all watched in amusement as Jean scattered the green eyed boy's things. His eyes were ablaze in anger and he was shouting at Jean. The group always found his outburst amusing. That is until a girl with a scarf came up from behind the ash brown haired bully. She killed the joy with a killing glare. Jean for some reason had a crush on the girl who wanted to beat him and just blushed in embarrassment as he turned around.
Soon after Jean scuttled away back to Ymir and the others, the brunette's friends came to help him with his fallen belongings. Ymir's attention would falter by then but a new addition to the usual group of losers caught her eye.
The brunette wanted to gape at the tall freak. He was taller than her and Reiner! Even taller than that leech Marlo!
Ymir nudged her blonde best friend who notified the rest of the populaurs with a quick word. The teens were amazed by the freak who seemed uncomfortable with his size.
And what was even more surprising was the tiny blond who accompanied him. And this girl was smaller that the well known kick-ass Annie!
. But what finished the blow to her appearance was like an arrow that shot through Ymir's heart.
She was the most beautiful girl Ymir had ever seen.
Ymir's throat went dry. Her mouth gaped open only to close again. Reiner who was by her side, stared at her with a knowing look. He wrapped a arm around the brunette's shoulders and whispered teasingly in her ear.
"Does someone have a crush?"
Ymir's face grew a crimson red and she shrugged Reiner off. It didn't help that Reiner knew her well enough to know how she feels. He smirked at Ymir with a light expression.
"Ymir, I heard that she was Reiss."
Ymir paused. Explains her good looks, The brunette thought but she had no sour in her tone. It was impossible to loathe this goddess of a girl. Her expression then grew grim for a moment. A painful memory sprouting up from the depths of her mind. No. She told herself and shook her head. Childish fear and anger wanted to rage in her as if an instinct. Ymir shoved this down. She could let this go.
And Ymir kept strong through the school year.
Until she fucked up on the day she hurt Reiner's heart. The day Krista…..Historia got mad at her. The day Ymir felt something break inside and she felt isolation flood over her. When she shouldn't have.
…
Tears were warm. They made her eyes burn. But it did not hurt in the inside. It felt comforting for once. Her hands refused to lift up and scrub at them. She watched the drops of water fall away from eyesight to land from below.
Ymir felt empty beside from her tears. She was not dreading for when she let go. The brunette was really treating this as if it was part of a routine that one really wouldn't think of.
In fact what she planned on doing seemed inviting. As if asking her did she want to see her mother again and spend the rest of eternity with the person you missed and loved. Ymir smiled to herself. She really didn't know why.
Reiner would enjoy the fact that he didn't have to worry about Ymir getting damaged by his relationship with Krista.
Boar would rejoice and throw a mini celebration with himself.
Levi and Hanji…..well….
A long sigh escaped her lips and her grip loosened on the rail below her. A few inches and she could be gone. She would be gone.
Her tears slowed. And she saw the image of her mom smiling in her mind. And Boar accompanied her. He was happy for once. He wore a grin as he rested a hand on the little girl between them. The freckled girl with the happiness in her eyes. A giggle playing on her lips. Not a cackle. Not a glare in her alive eyes.
Maybe when Boar joined them, they could be how they use to be.
A happy family.
Ymir scooted forward. The cool breeze of January blowing in her ears. Her eyes glanced at the snow for one last time. She worked her muscles to prepare.
…
Her lungs burned. Krista's feet scrambled desperately on the slippery sidewalk. She continued to run as fast as she could. She already knew where she was. Krista delayed what Ymir was planning to do that night Krista collapsed in the snow. The blond felt the emotion fueling her energy to push herself as fast as she could go.
No one had followed Krista. None of her friends. They were confused when she shot away from Reiner and them. It would have been wiser to tell Bertholdt and ask for a ride but common sense was not really a partner right now. Her mind was fixed on only one thing.
Save Ymir.
The blond was so stupid. Why didn't Krista say something earlier. She had a clear idea of what Ymir was doing that night. Krista had stopped her thankfully but Ymir obviously had the plan of proceeding the idea she already had formed.
The bridge was coming to view and Krista had to start focusing on running forward. She centered on her energy on the running and fought against the forming pain in her legs. Krista was not use to such exercise but she had to do this. She just had to.
Krista felt consolation as the figure of a slouching person came into view. She was close. The relief immediately turned into panic though. She saw the brace of the brunette from here. Krista opened her mouth and felt it go dry. The blond swallowed desperately.
She screamed.
"YMIR!"
The shout took her remaining breath out of her. Her pace slowed down against her will. She had to breathe. Krista's lungs were howled for air. Krista had to stop.
She was a handful of meters away from her. Krista could see the shuffling past the blur in her eyes and she felt fear hug her body as she gulped for air.
Krista felt adrenaline shoot through her. The short girl took a fast breath and launched herself towards the brunette. Her arms latched around Ymir's waist and she pulled her and the girl down the ground.
Krista gasped in pain as her bottom hit the cold road but she did pushed it aside. Her arms wrapped firmly around the girl's waist and she didn't want to let go. She panted and rested her forehead against the brunette's solid back.
"Y-Ymir…." She puffed tiredly and felt emotion well up inside her. Her grip tightened to make sure that the brunette wouldn't escape. Even though Krista was sure the freckled girl was more than capable of doing so.
"I'm s-so sorry…" Krista apologized. "I am sorry for being a bitch to you. I am sorry for all the rude things a said about you. I didn't know….I was an idiot." She paused for a moment and waited for a reply. Silence was the only response. Krista felt tears building up and she dug her face into the brunette's back. "Ymir….you don't have to do this. This shouldn't be a choice…. I have seen your black eye. Y-you don't deserve the abuse you receive. No one does. Ymir there is more to l-live for!" Krista cried. Slightly startling herself at the burst of emotion. Never would the blond have thought of crying the for the brunette she had despised the most. Never in a million life times she could of felt this way Ymir. But she did. And she loved the way it torture.
Krista felt the fabric of Ymir's shirt dampen from her tears.
"Ymir...there is people out there who care for you. No matter when you doubt or what others say. Think about Reiner. How he would feel if you killed yourself. Who would calm him if you were gone?" Krista felt Ymir shift but the freckled teen still refused to say anything. "Levi and Hanji…." Krista knew those two cared about Ymir a lot. From what she witnessed, the two adults had treated the girl as if she was one of their own. "The heartbreak they would go through just because the person they loved so much, disappeared. Imagine the guilt they would go through." Krista didn't want to sound harsh but Krista had learned something from these past events. Reality was harsh. Life was hard but you just had to push through it. The blonde choked with a realization of sadness. Krista knew what to say to the girl who needed her the most.
"Ymir…." Krista breathed her name and pressed her face against the mentioned girl roughly.
"What about me?"
Ymir's hands moved to touch Krista's. Which were planted on her waist. Her hands gripped the blond's weakly. The brunette tried to move them away.
Krista forced all her strength on the taller girl and choked with raw emotion. She heard the crack in her voice.
"Ymir, I care about you."
The hands disappeared.
Krista loosened her grasp.
If Ymir chose not to listen to her then Krista would give up. She felt tired. Exhausted.
Krista waited for the warmth of the girl to vanish and leave her on the ground. In the cold. Crying.
But the moment never arrived.
Water splattered on the top of Krista's pale hands. It was warm against her freezing hands.
The soft sobs of Ymir erupted into the night sky. The voice throaty with sentimentality.
Krista lifted her arms to place them on Ymir's chest and Krista hugged the crying brunette with as much affection she could give.
A small smile of relief playing onto her lips.
...
A epilogue is due to be posted a few days from now. My apologies for taking such an excessive amount of time to get this chapter out. I hope it was worth the wait. Thanks lot to those who have read,reviewed and favorited. My gratitude for these actions is large. Until the next chapter
Zouboss